What does "on hold" really mean?

I had a second round of interviews with an MD for an internship in a MM bank (Jeff, William Blair, Roth, HL...) in London last week. My interviewer told me that they would let me know by the end of the week. However, Thursday and Friday passed by and I did not receive any news. On Wednesday, I emailed HR and they told me that my application was "on hold" and they would update me as soon as they have any news.

What is "on hold" really means? Has anyone ever experienced anything similar? It is been "on hold" a very bad thing or I still have good chances to get the job? Should I try to do something meanwhile? The waiting is just killing me.

 

On hold means that they liked you, but there are others they would give out offers to before you. I personally take them more as a rejection, but if their top choices decline the offer, then you will get an offer.

 

You aren't one of their top choices, but you're a backup. They're waiting to see if their top choices take their offers. If they do, you won't get one. If they don't they'll go down their list until they get someone who will take it. It's kind of like the waitlist in college admissions.

 

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